Arsenal Held to Goalless Draw by Liverpool in Premier League Showdown
Date: 8 January 2026
Competition: Premier League 2025/26
Final Score: Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
In a highly anticipated Premier League clash on Thursday evening, Arsenal and Liverpool played out a tense 0–0 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The match was one of the centrepieces of Matchday 21 in the 2025/26 season, with both sides looking to reinforce their ambitions in England’s top flight.
Match Summary
Arsenal dominated early possession and territory, probing for openings but ultimately lacking a cutting edge in the final third. Despite controlling large spells and forcing pressure on Liverpool’s defence, the home side couldn’t find a breakthrough. Liverpool, organized and resilient under manager Arne Slot, defended in depth and offered occasional counter threats, with Conor Bradley’s first-half effort crashing against the crossbar.
A rain-soaked contest saw few clear opportunities after the interval. Arsenal’s attacking substitutions, including Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, were unable to convert dominance into goal-scoring moments. Liverpool grew into the game in the second half, earning a valuable point on the road through disciplined defending and tactical structure.
Goleadores & Key Events
- No goals scored — goalless draw.
- Notable incident: Late on, a fiery exchange was sparked when Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli pushed an injured Conor Bradley as he was being treated, leading to heated confrontations between both teams.
Context in the Season
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League, six points clear of title rivals despite relinquishing an opportunity to extend their lead further. The draw halts the Gunners’ momentum, denying them a sixth consecutive league win. Liverpool stay in fourth place, maintaining proximity to European qualification spots and extending their unbeaten run across competitions.
Impact on the Table
- Arsenal: Continues to lead the title race but dropped two valuable points at home.
- Liverpool: Gains a solid away point, preserving their position in the top tier of the table.
Exact standings may vary as other fixtures conclude.
Key Player Ratings (Out of 10)
| Player | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) | 8.5 | Industrious down the flank and one of the Gunners’ most creative outlets. |
| Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) | 8.0 | Controlled midfield tempo and shielded defence effectively. |
| Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) | 8.5 | Most influential offensive performer for the Reds. |
| Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) | 3.0 | Struggled to impact the contest in a key attacking role. |